Guest Post By Amy McGeachy (see below for bio)

As an executive recruiter I spent time this morning Googling candidates for a job that is open in the Midwest. Yep, that’s right I Googled candidates to see what type of web presence they have. Here are a few lessons I’d like to share based on my review of some of the candidates.

The first candidate had an impressive list of marathons he had participated in. I know he’s 49 and runs an 8:30 pace…pretty good by all accounts. He’s run races all over the country but primarily runs in Chicago which is his home town. Other than that he doesn’t have a web presence at all.

My advice: Get on LinkedIn. Develop a profile on LinkedIn using resume like details, gather recommendations from colleagues and include a professional profile photo. Ditch the webcam photo and opt for a photo that shows executive presence. 67% of recruiters use LinkedIn as a recruitment source and candidates should definitely use this site during and after a job search.

Another candidate had an impressive array of self-published information although, none of which added to their professional image if you know what I mean. Lots of photos! Their Facebook photo was the first thing that came back in my Google Search.

My Advice: While in a job search keep everything on the web ultra professional. That includes your Facebook profile so by all means change your profile privacy settings if need be.

Who is candidate #3? Well according to my Google search no one knows, nothing comes back.

My advice: Self publish information that is professional and relevant to your career so that you are Google-able. Comment on articles on news sites, industry sites, relevant blogs, and include your first and last name, most recent job title and email address. This will help you to become known as an expert in your industry and when a recruiter does a Google search all of your comments will come back because they are recent and relevant.

To take it a step further you can set-up a Google Alert on yourself which will email you anytime something is published about you on the web. This way you will be the first to know and you can manage your online presence proactively.

About now you’re thinking…”What about that traffic violation that I got last year? Is that on the web?” Or, “my Uncle Joe and I have the same name, ugh, is that going to be a problem?” Self publish, self publish, self publish. The traffic violation may very well be online but the key is to push it to the second or third page when someone does a search. You can do this by self publishing information that is recent and relevant and typically the self published information will appear first in a search. In the case of the same name or a common name, self publishing is also relevant. Recruiters will quickly realize that you’re the Joe Wakefield II by the information that you publish because it’s relevant to the industry and/or job title of the position that they are recruiting for. Make sense?

For more advice on your job search, participate in a Career Movement webinar, become a Fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter @CareerMovement.

Best of luck in your search!

About The Author:

After graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Amy went to work for ARAMARK Corporation, one of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies.” She held various HR roles including HR Manager and ultimately Recruitment Manager. Here, Amy was instrumental in creating a renowned recruitment process which resulted in reducing turnover and improving sales and productivity. Amy also participated in developing a career brand that was recognized by the Society of Human Resources Management.

In 2006 Amy helped launch Career Movement an Executive Search and Career Coaching firm. It’s a move she has never regretted. Amy, who is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources from the Society of Human Resources Management, says the launch of the Career Coaching division is an answer to the company’s tagline. “When we decided our slogan would be ‘We Help You Succeed,’ it seemed so organic,” she says. “We believe that with a little extra coaching, all candidates can be successful in their job search.”